Proctologist near Tucson, AZ – Dr. Fernando Alemán Rojas

Certified colon & rectal surgeon near Tucson, AZ

Looking for a proctologist near Tucson, AZ? With over 8 years of experience in General Surgery and 6 years in Coloproctology, and more than 9,000 patients treated, Dr. Fernando Alemán Rojas is a surgical specialist in Coloproctology and minimally invasive procedures. Utilizing advanced technologies like LigaSure, he ensures precision and promotes faster recovery. Dr. Alemán is certified by the Mexican Council of General Surgery and the Mexican Council of Coloproctology Specialists.

Schedule your appointment with our certified colon & rectal surgeon near Tucson, AZ

Proctology specialist near Tucson, AZ

Coloproctology is the branch of medicine that studies all diseases affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. It is one of the most important medical and surgical specialties, with diseases in this region accounting for 50% of the tasks of a surgical team. This specialty addresses a wide range of pathologies, from colon and rectal cancer to anal diseases (hemorrhoids, fistulas, fissures, or incontinence).

Diseases treated by a coloproctologist can be divided into those affecting the colon and rectum or those affecting the anus. The most significant pathology in the colon and rectum is colorectal cancer. It is the most common cancer in the population, when combining men and women, and it occupies most of the time of coloproctologists.

When a patient is diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer, it is crucial to be operated on by a coloproctology specialist. The outcomes, fewer complications, and a better prognosis depend on this. Until recently, colon cancer was operated on via laparotomy or open surgery. Recently, laparoscopy, which is much less invasive, has been employed, resulting in fewer complications for the patient, shorter hospital stays, and better recovery. Furthermore, some studies indicate that the prognosis is more favorable in patients operated on laparoscopically.

Every coloproctologist, to perform their specialty successfully and safely for the patient, must be at the forefront of both research and the use of medical and surgical advancements. This ensures that interventions become less invasive and that the cure rates of these diseases are much higher, resulting in a quicker return of patients to their usual activities.

Other diseases affecting the colon and rectum include:

• Ulcerative colitis.
• Crohn’s disease.
• Colorectal polyps.
• Colorectal endometriosis.
• Colon diverticula.
• Colon angioplasty.
• Rectocele.

Colonoscopy 

A colonoscopy is performed by a coloproctologist experienced in the procedure and takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes. You will be given medication through a vein to help you feel relaxed and sleepy. You will be asked to lie on your left side on the examination table. During a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a colonoscope, a long, flexible tube about 1/2 inch in diameter that transmits an image of the colon lining for the doctor to examine for abnormalities. The colonoscope is inserted through the rectum and advanced to the other end of the large intestine.

The endoscope bends so the doctor can navigate the curves of your colon. You may be asked to change positions occasionally to help the doctor move the endoscope. The endoscope also injects air into the colon, expanding it and helping the doctor see more clearly.

You may feel mild cramping during the procedure. You can reduce cramping by taking slow, deep breaths during the procedure. When the doctor is finished, the colonoscope is slowly withdrawn while carefully examining the lining of the intestine.

During the colonoscopy, if the doctor sees anything that may be abnormal, small amounts of tissue can be removed for analysis (called a biopsy), and abnormal growths or polyps can be identified and removed. In many cases, colonoscopy allows for precise diagnosis and treatment without the need for major surgery.

Diseases and Conditions a Coloproctologist Examines

• Hemorrhoids: Swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus causing discomfort and bleeding.
• Hemorrhoidal banding: Placing a rubber band (with or without latex) at the base of the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and be completely eliminated.
• Anal fissure: Small tear in the lining of the anus.
• Anal abscess: Accumulation of pus in the tissue surrounding the anus and rectum.
• Anal fistula: Infected tunnel between the skin and the anus.
• Pilonidal cyst: Abnormal skin growth with hair and skin located at the tailbone.
• Lower gastrointestinal bleeding: Originates in the gastrointestinal tract distal to the Treitz ligament.
• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a finger-shaped pouch projecting from the colon on the lower right side of the abdomen.
• Colon diseases: Colorectal cancer, colon polyps, ulcerative colitis, ulcers in the colon and rectum.
• Colon cancer: Cancer of the colon or rectum located at the lower end of the digestive tract.
• Rectal cancer: Cancer of the colon or rectum located at the lower end of the digestive tract.
• Anal cancer: Anal cancer can cause symptoms such as rectal bleeding and anal pain. Irritable bowel syndrome: Intestinal disorder causing abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
• Constipation: When a person has fewer than three bowel movements per week or has difficulty passing stools.
• Diarrhea: Loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than usual.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Chronic inflammatory bowel disease causing inflammation of the digestive tract.
• Rectal prolapse: Occurs when the rectum wall protrudes through the anus.
• Fecal incontinence: The inability to control bowel movements, causing stool to leak unexpectedly.
• Anal condylomas: Benign lesions caused by HPV infection.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Such as AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Diverticular disease of the colon: When one or more pouches become inflamed, and in some cases infected, this condition is known as diverticulitis.

When should you consider visiting a proctologist?

While these doctors treat a wide variety of gastrointestinal tract diseases, most patients do not always know when a visit to a proctologist is warranted. However, there are many reasons for patients of any age to seek treatment from a proctologist.

Many of the disorders treated by a proctologist are identified during regular check-ups with a primary care physician. Primary care physicians constantly evaluate clinical and laboratory data to detect any potential problems.

Some of the most common disorders for which a primary care doctor might refer you to a proctologist include:

• Anal leakage or discharge.
• Rectal bleeding.
• Lump found around the anus.
• Change in bowel habits.
• Change in bowel characteristics such as color or consistency.
• Red and inflamed area on the buttocks, such as an abscess.
• Advanced age.

Schedule an appointment with the best Coloproctologist near Tucson, Arizona